Khairy satisfied with number of young candidates

KUALA LUMPUR: BARISAN Nasional (BN) Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin is satisfied with the number of young candidates selected to represent BN in the 14th General Election (GE14).

Without going into details, he said there were still a few names being discussed as possible candidates.

“Right now, we are at the final stage, although many names have been finalized. But, I am still working on adding a few more names to the list.

“So far, I am satisfied. There are still names that have yet to be decided on and I have met BN chairman) Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his deputy, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, several days ago so that we can settle this (matter) soon,” he said in a special “Bicara Jom Undi” programme at Balai Berita here yesterday.

Khairy, who is also Umno Youth chief, said some of the seats allocated to the young candidates were “quite challenging”.

“Some are challenging, some less so,” he said, adding that he would continue discussions with Najib and Zahid so that more names could be included.

“Although it is quite late now, I will continue to fight for this until the last second so that their names can be in the list.”

Umno Youth and BN Youth had asked for more than 40 parliamentary and states seats to be allocated to them in GE14.

The request was seen as being in line with BN’s vision of paving the way for the future generations to be involved in the government and administration.

Meanwhile, Khairy expressed hope that more young people would be selected to take up cabinet posts after GE14 to realize the party’s promises to youth via its Jaminan Orang Muda (JOM BN) manifesto.

Khairy, who is also youth and sports minister, hoped that

his successor would be someone from the younger generation.

He said while the decision was up to the prime minister and the cabinet, he believed that by appointing a younger person, BN would live up to its reputation as a party of the future.

“It cannot be me, as I’m not young anymore. We need more young people to lead the country as we must be seen to be a party of the future.

“Even other ministerial positions need to be taken up by the younger generation.”

On his plans for Umno Youth, the party, as well as the administration, Khairy believed that young and fresh faces would help win the people’s hearts.

“It should be led by someone who is young and I have a few candidates in mind, but let’s cross that bridge after the election.”